Library challenges you to read 100 books this year

Dover Public Library officials are challenging the community to join The 100 Book Club, and Marie McKeever jumped at the opportunity. The Dover resident was the first to sign up for the reading challenge, with participants reading 100 books of their choosing during 2014.

Dover Public Library officials are challenging the community to join The 100 Book Club, and Marie McKeever jumped at the opportunity.

The Dover resident was the first to sign up for the reading challenge, with participants reading 100 books of their choosing during 2014.

"I read 100 books last year, and so when I saw this challenge, I thought I'd like to do that again because I love to read," she said.

She said she has no idea how many books she has read during her lifetime, but she has been keeping track since 2009.

"Last year, it was 122," she said. "Normally, I read at least 85 books each year. I really enjoy mysteries and inspirational books.

"I taught third grade in Dover and tried to instill a love of books in all my students. I think it's important."

As of Thursday night, 76 people had signed up after registration opened Jan. 2. They range in age from 8 years old to McKeever at 79.

"Enrollment is open-ended, but we're expecting that most people will sign up by the end of February," Library Director Jim Gill said. "We're pleased by the strong interest so far. We have signs posted in the library, and it's on our social media site. People are intrigued by it."

Participants will receive a reading log with guidelines and space to write each book's title, author and the date the reader finished it.

Prospective club members will read 100 books during the calendar year and submit their reading logs to the library for verification. After verification, these patrons will become club members and receive a club T-shirt, a membership card, and an invitation to Dover Public Library's 100 Book Club initial recognition reception in January 2015. The goal is to make this an annual event, but a reader must qualify each year.

Gill said that with the new year, the challenge is an opportunity for people "to make a positive change in their lives."

The challenge to nurture the love of reading in the community is inspired by a similar program at the Lafayette Public Library in Lafayette, La.

"Our library is grateful to the Lafayette Public Library for sharing their program with us," Gill said. "Now we can spread the love of reading in a fun new way throughout the Tuscarawas Valley."

"The library would like to invite the public to be inaugural members of the library's 100 Book Club," said Paula Fawcett, the library's adult services manager. "It is our hope that this program grows over time so that it becomes an annual event for people. We like that the book club is open to both children and adults and that the program gives people the freedom to read what they want."

The 100 Book Club is open to everyone. For more information, call 330-343-6123 or visit www.doverlibrary.org.

Page 2 of 2 - Dover Public Library is at 525 N. Walnut St., across from Dover High School.